Spring 2011 in my yard

Here are the wildflowers that are making their first appearance for 2011 in my humble yard. I was surprised to see the Bleeding Hearts blooming this early in the season. I guess the couple of days with temperatures in the mid-70's might have jump started their blooming cycle. Either way, I am glad to see them. My Kaufmann's Tulips have not bloomed yet. I am concerned.

 These are Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis). Always beautiful to look at.

 This is Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum).

This is Pink Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

First Images of Spring 2011

Spring has sprung and these are the first images for this blog in the spring season. These images were taken in my neighborhood. Of course, since they have decided to live near me, I give them the honors of being the first images of spring for me. Some of the images were taken at the offices of the Roanoke Valley Garden Club.

 This is Yellow Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

 This is Jane Magnolia (Magnolia x 'Jane'). It is not a wildflower, but a hybrid. Sorry, but the color was too stunning to pass up. Located at the Garden Club Offices.

This is Jane Magnolia (Magnolia x 'Jane'). It is not a wildflower, but a hybrid. Sorry, but the color was too stunning to pass up. Located at the Garden Club Offices.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor). I could not pass up the composition with the cut branch.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor). This is the normal five petal flower next to a less common four petal bloom.

Last of Winter 2011

These are the last images of wildflowers in the winter. These image were taken in Green Hill Park in west Roanoke County. This area has quite a few Bloodroot wildflowers growing, and since Bloodroot is one of my favorites, I did spend a bit of time here shooting. I also was talking to a nice young family that has just moved into the area from Montana. I hope they enjoy the wildflowers as much as I do.

 

This is Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). It is one of my favorites. These images were taken in Green Hill Park.

2011 - Start of a new Wildflower Season

Yessirree, the wildflowers started blooming kinda early this year. A warm late winter got them going in the first week in March, but it is looking like we will have a short cold snap this weekend. I hope the early bloomers are able to survive the surprise. Crocus, Vinca minor, Corn Speedwell, and others are braving the chilly nights to get an early start on the spring exposition. Here are some images from the first week in March from the wildflower garden in Franklin County and on Mill Mountain.

 These are Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and are located in a private Franklin County Wildflower Garden. They are early in their bloom cycle and have not yet spread their petals.

 These Crocuses, (Crocus vernus), are located in a private Franklin County Wildflower Garden.

 These Crocuses, (Crocus vernus), are located in a private Franklin County Wildflower Garden.

 This is Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum). These flowers are growing on Mill Mountain, near the Discovery Center.

Blue Ridge Orchid Society Show - March 11-13, 2011

Yessirree. It is starting into wildflower season. I have already shot some images for 2011 at a wildflower garden in Franklin County. The early Crocus and Snowdrops are starting to bloom. The Forsythia in my front yard is taking an early stretch, but the grass is still brown, which keeps me from mowing it for a while longer.

I wanted to let viewers of this blog know about the Orchid Show for the Blue Ridge Orchid Society. It is going to be held on Friday, March 11th, Saturday, March 12th, and Sunday, March 13th, 2011 at Greenbrier Nurseries on Starkey Road in SW Roanoke County. I know that Orchids are not wildflowers, but this show should not be missed. The variety and beauty of these flowers is incredible, and to have so many in one place is not to be missed. So check it out. I might see you there. Thanks to Dr. Nancy Cowden of Lynchburg College for tipping me off to this show. I appreciate the "heads up", Nancy.